Skip to main content

Stovetop Quinoa

This grain-like seed is quick to cook and has an earthy flavor that goes well in salads, soups and stews.
Bowls of cooked quinoa.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Makes: 3 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa (if not pre-rinsed, rinse well using a fine-mesh strainer)
2 cups water
¼ teaspoon salt (optional)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa and salt, if desired, and return the mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat to low, cover pan and simmer for 12 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat and let stand until water is absorbed and quinoa has the texture you like, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  5. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • For more flavor, cook with broth or milk instead of water.
  • For a roasted flavor, toast the grains in the saucepan. Stir the grains around at medium heat for a few minutes before adding liquid.
  • Topping ideas: fresh, frozen or dried fruit; milk or yogurt; chopped nuts or seeds; cinnamon or other spices. Savory toppings include vegetables and cheese.
  • Add to soups, grain bowls or grain salads.
  • No strainer? Use a clean coffee filter.

Comments

This is a no-fail way to cook quinoa. Turning off the heat and letting it sit to soak up remaining water keeps it from being soggy and overcooked.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Spinach Pasta Salad
Bowl of a mix of macaroni noodles, spinach, oranges and dried cranberries.

Spinach Pasta Salad

This fun and delicious pasta salad recipe combines fresh veggies, crunchy seeds, tangy fruit and tender pasta with a savory teriyaki dressing.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water
Glasses of refreshing Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water are shown with an apple slice garnish.

Apple Cinnamon Flavored Water

A unique and flavorful spin on flavored water!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
4 cups
Garden Vegetable Cakes
Platter of stacked vegetable patties with a tomato slice.

Garden Vegetable Cakes

A simple snack or meal full of veggies and parmesan cheese, with hints of lemon and dill.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
8 cakes
Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts
Rice and fruit topped with chopped nuts.

Rice Bowl Breakfast with Fruit and Nuts

A great breakfast idea with filling grains, crunchy nuts and your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
5 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Pasta Salad
Macaroni noodles with ham, vegetables and dressing.

Pasta Salad

Enjoy this simple Spring and Summer side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Strawberry Sipper Flavored Water
Glasses of pink strawberry water with mint.

Strawberry Sipper Flavored Water

Strawberry puree makes this water refreshing and tasty!
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
6 Servings
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.